Mike Jackson hailed an ‘important’ result as Tranmere Rovers earned a 2-0 victory over Southend United.
Goals from Peter Clarke and James Vaughan were enough to secure all three points at Prenton Park, a result that leaves the Whites positioned in 16th place in Sky Bet League Two.
Jackson completed a double substitution on the half-hour mark as Otis Khan and Lee O’Connor made way for Sam Smith and Calum MacDonald, with Tranmere taking the lead one minute after this tactical switch.
Explaining why this double change was required in the contest, the Rovers’ boss said: “We started OK, but we weren’t being enough of an attacking threat. I had to try and make a call and it worked today. I spoke to the two lads I had to take off and it was nothing to do with their performance, we just had to try and change the dynamic of the game.
“I’m delighted for the group; they needed that win with what’s going on at the moment. It’s an important result for us and we’re made up with it. We know the performance can be better, but it’s a good starting point for us and that’s the main thing.”
It was Clarke who broke the deadlock, connecting with a Liam Feeney cross to score against his former side. Meanwhile Vaughan's deflected effort from distance marked his third league goal in five appearances.
Jackson was full of praise for the aforementioned trio, who helped Rovers return to winning ways.
“Feeney has got that quality and with Clarkey, that’s just sheer will. That’s why he has played for so long, due to the sheer will and character to go and get on the end of it. It was something we needed at that time of the game. It was a great ball and a great header,” said the Tranmere boss.
“I had a chat with Vaughany yesterday, it was a big call with him as he’s only just come back. I spoke to him and he said ‘just play me.’ It was a quick conversation and I thought he gave the lads a lift. I am delighted for Vaughan, and that’s what he gives you.
“We’ve got to try and build on that with the lads that we’ve got coming back and the minutes they’ve got into them today. We’ve got to go to Crawley now and take it with us there.”